If we intended to vote, ditto.

If we didn't set our clocks back, we either have no schedules or don't care.

November change. Traditionally it's kinder, gentler than December and muted, darker, than October. Cold rains are coming. Internal clocks struggle to adjust. Some even break out sun-simulating, mood-enhancing lamps.

For kids it's the end of many outdoor sports practices, time to take the soccer balls indoors, start basketball and hockey practice. It's a busy time for sports enthusiasts. Even we figure skating devotees now have regularly televised international competitions as the top skaters prepare for the 2010 Worlds.

For everyone -- except those for whom jeans and a T-shirt do year-round duty -- there's even a noticeable change as their garb darkens and brightens, becomes heavier and warmer, and we drag our boots out.

For some, there is actually a seasonal tradition, or trauma, known as "switching your closet." It can be as simple as gathering out-of-season clothes and moving them to the back, or as complicated as pulling out all of last season's clothes, examining each item to decide if anything should be donated to your favorite charity.

Now those beloved and comfortable returnees from last fall and winter proudly take the up-front drawer-and-hanger spots they have occupied during many prior winters. If you are really dedicated, you color-code your closet's contents before your task is complete.

While all these changes are going on, Mother Nature is not getting all the rest she deserves when the harvest is in. She's directing the winds how to scatter seeds and leaves precisely where she wants them to land: In drifts across the forest floors, open fields, gardens and hills. She's generously preparing insulation for seeds and plants, as she plans food and shelter for birds and animals.

People are also nesting now, with provisions including more books, movies, puzzles, paints and music. As the days shorten we need/desire more sleep. Though the light pattern is "new" to us now, in a few weeks we'll be yearning for the winter solstice and the slow lengthening of the days. My favorites are the day after Christmas, when I suspect the light is longer, and the day very early in January when I know it's longer.

A particular treat right now is the changing sky color. Few October-style blues, more variegated grays providing overcast layers. Dawns and sunsets are differently spectacular with softer, warm tones rippling just ahead of the sun's appearance or disappearance. I now see varying sunrises out of my new bedside windows.

For many people, the highlight of November is Thanksgiving. Orange becomes a subtler shade than the garish hue of Halloween. Families and friends gather to celebrate either the joys of family or that they successfully survived the first of many holiday events with family in close quarters.

And the crowning experience remains standing in line at Hillside Turkey Farms in Thurmont , waiting to carry home the big fresh turkey we actually did remember to order!

Some things never change.

annblove@comcast.net

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